As some of you know, this year, I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the hottest celebrities in music, television and film at the 2012 BET Awards. Being that I was able to personally interact with the stars, not as a journalist or a fan, with whom they will mind their Ps and Qs, but as the first friendly face they saw when they arrived, I am well equipped to provide a brief synopsis of what I observed.

The Red Carpet

Many Black entertainers have little respect for the BET Awards. Several of the most renowned Black celebrities in attendance decided to forego walking the red carpet, yet have never missed the opportunity to do so at shows such as the Oscars, Emmys, Grammy’s and so on. What bothers me most about this is that we had to create a show that would highlight our talents and accomplishments, as they were being overlooked by the establishments listed above. Yet, stars like Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Drake, Kanye West and more all shunned the red carpet, and opted to “sneak in through the back door,” literally.

Furthermore, some stars arrived looking like they were going to their local CVS, not an awards show. Jamie Foxx showed up looking like Tom Hanks in Castaway when he was lost at sea searching frantically for his volleyball-turned-imaginary friend Wilson – chapped lips and all. It’s really a shame that these same celebrities will get suited and booted for events that rarely celebrate them and their craft, but at events for them and by them, they fail to bring it.

Terry Crews

Terry Crews’s sexuality is no longer “in question.” The answer is now readily apparent. That’s all I’ll say about that.

Celebs with Attitudes

I was very disappointed in the snootiness displayed by gospel singer, Yolanda Adams. Now, I did take into consideration the fact that she may have been having a bad day, but if I was still able to smile and be personable walking around in a Black dress in 80+ degree weather, and 4 inch heels, she could have at least conjured up a smile. Anyway, isn’t she supposed to be letting her “light” shine at all times? Adams didn’t even bother waving to adoring fans who lined the streets, some who called her name simply to have her look in their direction. You’re going to a red carpet event. This is the ONE place where you should expect fans to be, and where you should be prepared to oblige them.

Also, seeing as how Tamia never made it past the B-list, and hasn’t recorded an album since I was in high school, you would think she’d be a little more down to earth. Not so. Maybe she was a little peeved that no one knew who she was when she got out of her car. Whatever the case may be, I did not appreciate her less than pleasant demeanor.

The Vertically Challenged

Most entertainers are short, or maybe I should say, they’re not tall, which is why I can count my celebrity crushes on one hand – and that’s inlcuding my girl crushes.

Marlo Hampton

Marlo Hampton of the Real Housewives of Atlanta was doling out props to us ladies left and right, dubbing us divas in the presence of a fellow diva. Although she is a non-factor in entertainment for the most part, I am now a fan.

Generation Z

Generation Z doesn’t even know who Spike Lee is. As he exited his car, a legend in his own right, there were few cheers from the crowd. The reception Lee received paled in comparison to that of rappers like Big Sean and Tyga (both whom I would not recognize if I saw them walking down the street), and some guy named 2 Chainz. I’m not sure what this indicates, but whatever it is, it can’t be good.

Trey Songz

Don’t be jealous ladies, but I was 5 inches from Trey Songz’s face, and although he does have a boyish quality about him that reminds you on sight that he is just a baby, he’s still just as sexy as we imagine him to be. Don’t be mad, just be happy for me.

Beautiful People

Boris Kodjoe looked dapper as usual, but boy was I surprised when his equally handsome brother exited the vehicle. I didn’t know he had a brother, but this was a beautiful surprise.

Willow’s eyes are captivating. I’ve seen light eyes before, but when you see hers, they’re the first thing you notice, and as you can tell, they leave a lasting impression. Her and her brother, Jaden, were absolutely adorable.

Starving Artists

It’s amazing how those who floss the most are usually the ones with the least amount of money. Tyrese and Tank made quite an entrance in a white convertible Bentley (I’m sure it belonged to neither of them), and were later joined by Genuine who came from God-knows- where to greet the fans lining the street. The three are reportedly forming an R&B “supergroup.” I suppose they all could use the work.

YG

This budding, young rapper thought the red carpet also offered valet service. He pulled up with two other guys in a bright yellow Ford Mustang. The crowd went wild, but unfortunate for YG, he could not leave his vehicle. When he found out that no one would be parking his car for him (I would have if the price was right), he left, but circled back a few times, at one point, being escorted by a police car – CLASSIC!